As we witnessed last weekend against NYRB, Howard’s stellar play in goal sealed his return to USMNT duty as he was called into camp in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers. The USMNT will host Honduras next Friday March 24th at San Jose Quakes Avaya Stadium.

Tough to see former Rapids player Aitor Karanka released as mananger of Premier League side Middlesbrough while they fight to get out of the relegation zone with 11 games left on the season.

A big void (pun intended) on the Rapids back line, but nothing that Bobby Burling shouldn’t be able to fill, literally. I expect we’ll see the big guy starting this weekend against MLS newbies, Minnesota United FC.

The signing of Da Fonte comes as a surprise but it sounds like a good one, that benefits not only the Rapids but Sacramento Republic FC as well. I think this move is to just simply add more experience to the back line. Da Fonte having played in USL with Sacramento and NY Red Bulls II and previously 3 seasons in the Portuguese third division. The soon to be 26 year old signs a 2 year deal with the Rapids.

Will we see Howard and/or Gashi today against RBNY? The Secretary of Defense will at the least be on the field as the former Metrostars keeper will be honored pregame by RBNY. The Rapids handled the high pressing of the Revs last week, can they do it again this week against the Red Bulls on the road at Red Bull Arena?